Component Testing and MHD Simulations of Helicity Space's Peristaltic Compressor*

The Helicity Space corporation is developing a fusion based thruster concept which aims to magnetically compress Taylor-State plasmas toward fusion conditions. The magnetic compressor design utilizes a funnel-shaped, linear array of magnetic coils arranged as a spatially-varying transmission line[1]. This geometry enables peristaltic compression wherein a magnetized target plasma is loaded between two peaks of a traveling wave magnetic field as it approaches a constricted region of the compressor. A geometrically full-scale model of the circuit has demonstrated the propagation of the magnetic field [2] and supported electrical design for device capable of demonstrating experimentally relevant field strengths (~ 1 T).

The larger, plasma facing compressor will be mounted in the ECLAIR concept exploration experiment at Helicity Space’s laboratory [3] and will be driven by two independent, ignitron switched capacitor banks. The major components of the drive circuit for this compressor have been acquired, and assembly and testing are underway. The testing and design of ancillary equipment such as custom high voltage vacuum feedthroughs will also be described.

In preparation for the first plasma-loaded compressor experiments, MHD simulations using the LA-Compass software have been conducted of multiple jets entering the time-varying magnetic compressor and demonstrate how the timing of the jets and of the compressor affect plasma stability.

[1] P. M. Bellan, Phys. Rev. Lett. 43, 858 (1979)

[2] Details presented in poster by N. Marin, et al.

[3] Details presented in poster by J. Samaniego et al.